Implant Aftercare

General guidelines for care of your mouth after dental implant treatment:

• Take care to only have cold drinks and to not eat until the local anaesthetic has worn off. Avoid hot drinks or hot food for the first day and do not vigorously 'swill' liquid over the area. Try not to disturb the area with your tongue or fingers. Avoid undertake strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours (running / gym).
• Some swelling is normal and is usually worse in the mornings after lying flat all night. There may be some bruising on the skin which will also clear after a few days. Swelling can be reduced with ice packs (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel. Hold on the cheek area for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time with 5-10 minutes break before applying again. Sleeping slightly upright may aid to reduce swelling.
• Pain should not be a problem. Although you will be sore for a few days this can usually be easily managed with pain killers. We advise:
  2x 200mg Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours or
  2x 500mg Paracetamol every 4-6 hours.
  If pain seems to get worse after the first couple of days, rather than getting better, you should contact the practice.
• Stitches can be uncomfortable but we advise not to disturb them with your tongue or finger and do not pull at them. All stitches are dissolvable, however we like to see you 1 week after the implant is placed to review healing and remove any which may remain.
• Some bleeding following surgery is completely normal. If this persists apply pressure with a dampened gauze or clean handkerchief for 30 minutes. Place an old towel over your pillow at night in the event there is some oozing.
• If you have been given antibiotics to take after your surgery then please complete the course. Your dentist will advise you which antibiotic to take and how to take them.